Even elementary school students are afraid of being left single.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - In South Korea, many elementary school students are now also afraid of being labeled as... "single" or "unmarried." This mentality arises partly because they are exposed to too much emotional and psychological content intended for adults.

Recently, a South Korean parent, Jang Yoon-jeong (45 years old), shared in an interview that she was shocked to hear her children talk about "dating pressure," even though her children are only elementary school students. Those students who have never dated anyone are teased by their classmates for being "permanently single."

Dating at this age is quite simple. Jang's children told her that those who pretend to be "lovers" will have "dates" during recess. The "couples" will play together or in the same group of friends, but will act particularly close.

The "prematurely mature" psychological traits in elementary school students are causing considerable worry and confusion among teachers and parents in South Korea (Illustrative image: Focused).

As a mother, Jang Yoon-jeong said she felt confused and perplexed, as she never imagined her children's generation would have to endure such strange pressures.

Some elementary school students proudly boast to their friends about their extensive "dating" experience. In fact, the story shared by Jang Yoon-jeong is a phenomenon that is attracting considerable attention from education experts in South Korea.

Nowadays, even elementary school students are starting to fear being labeled "single" or "unmarried." This mentality is partly due to children using electronic devices from an early age, easily exposing them to a lot of emotional and psychological content intended for adults. This leads many children to develop a "prematurely mature" mindset.

A male parent named Kim Joong-whan shared with The Korea Herald: “When my son explained about the dating pressure at his age, I was truly shocked. What kind of developmental problems are elementary school children facing these days?”

An anonymous elementary school teacher said she often has to find ways to talk privately with some students who exhibit overly intimate behavior towards each other, such as kissing on the cheek, even on the lips, or engaging in other forms of physical contact.

"My students discuss romantic relationships quite freely with each other, even though they are young. Things that were previously considered sensitive are now discussed very naturally," the teacher said.

Education experts advise parents to gently help their children develop age-appropriate understanding of romantic relationships (Illustrative image: Focused).

While some parents view the romantic relationships of elementary school students as innocent and not a cause for concern, many others feel worried and confused. Many parents believe that the psychology of young children today is developing too rapidly, making it difficult for them to understand.

Several education experts and elementary school teachers in South Korea have spoken out, emphasizing the importance of parents paying attention to, supporting, and educating their children about romantic relationships from an early age.

Sex education experts also advise that instead of harsh scolding, parents should gently help their children develop age-appropriate understanding of relationships, as well as appropriate emotional and behavioral boundaries with classmates.

In particular, parents and teachers should not scold or harshly criticize children for their romantic relationships, but should instead guide them to understand what is appropriate and suitable for their age.

In reality, young children also experience psychological pressure from competition or simply conforming to their peers, even though they don't fully understand the consequences of their actions. Teaching children how to express, accept, or reject unwanted feelings in an appropriate way is gradually becoming an important topic that many parents in South Korea will need to teach their children starting from elementary school.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/hoc-sinh-tieu-hoc-cung-so-e-20250807162452815.htm